Detoxifying Eucalyptus Sugar Scrub
A few weeks ago, I was in the airport trying to kill some time, and I spotted these amazing sugar scrubs in one of the Bath & Body stores. When I decided that I needed to get one, I looked at the back of the container and saw $49.99! Eeek! A few simple ingredients for over $50 when you include tax? Now, I knew that these ingredients on the labels had some major benefits to them, but there’s a much better way to reap the benefits without paying an arm and a leg.
After getting the inspiration to try out my own, I went home and created the perfect soothing and uplifting Eucalyptus Scrub, great for a shower or bath. The best part was that I had all of the ingredients already at home. It was super easy, cheap and left my skin feeling moisturized and brand new. And it smelled like a day at the spa! Total win-win.
What is exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the technique of removing the top layer of dead skin cells from of the epidermis of your skin to encourage the live cells underneath to turnover and refresh the skin’s appearance. There are many techniques and tools to use when exfoliating, including dry brushing, loofahs
Why exfoliate?
When we were kids, our skin did an amazing job at self-exfoliating. As you age, your skin has a harder time self-exfoliating and needs some extra help. If we don’t exfoliate, dead skin, makeup, dirt, oil, and pollutants from everyday life remain on the skin and make our skin look weathered, dull and uneven.
How often should I exfoliate?
Many dermatologists recommend spreading out your facial exfoliation to 2-3 times per week for normal and oily skin types, and once a week for sensitive skin. Over-exfoliation can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause breakouts and irritation, so be sure if you are trying this out for the first time, start with once a week.
Detoxification & Exfoliation
On a detoxification level, exfoliating the skin helps improve blood flow, encourages lymphatic drainage (eliminates swelling and protects against disease) and rejuvenates the nervous system. If you want to avoid putting toxins into the body through the skin, avoid any beauty products, lotions, cleansers and scrubs that contain chemicals. Almost everything we put on our skin is absorbed into the bloodstream, so it is crucial that you use all-natural, organic ingredients on your skin.
Bottom line: If you want to have youthful, glowing skin and keep your body from a toxin-overload, then you should exfoliate!
Benefits of Eucalyptus
I chose this combination of ingredients because it’s invigorating, it leaves my skin vibrant, and it’s completely all-natural and naturally detoxifying.
Eucalyptus oil is cooling and energizing, works as an antibiotic, is good for ailing joints, and good for circulation. If you don’t have Eucalyptus oil, you can get some here, or use another essential oil of choice. I highly recommend Edens Garden essential oils, which are guaranteed to always be 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oil, GC/MS tested, and have a “no questions asked” return policy.
DIY Eucalyptus Sugar Scrub
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 10-15 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil (or essential oil of your choice)
Instructions:
- In a glass jar or small bowl, pour in the sugar.
- Warm the coconut oil, and pour into the sugar.
- Stir the mixture. It should be easy enough to scoop up with your hands.
- Add the essential oil.
Voila! Scrub all over the body (don’t forget the bottoms of your feet), rinse and enjoy beautiful, soft, and youthful-looking skin. Place the remaining scrub in a tightly sealed container. I love using Mason Jars!
Other Ideas:
Sugar scrubs make great gifts! I love to give a personalized pampering gift to a new mom, for Mother’s Day, or even as a Christmas gift. Just put the scrub in a jar and apply a gift tag or label.
What’s your favorite essential oil to add to your scrub? Let us know!
